Al Sharpton speaks at his regular Saturday morning rally at the House of Justice in Manhattan on Oct. 24, 2015. Photo Credit: Anthony Lanzilote

The Rev. Al Sharpton said Tuesday he had dropped plans to deliver the eulogy at the funeral of slain NYPD Officer Randolph Holder to avoid any controversy his attendance might cause.

"I refuse, despite my strong feelings on police issues, to be part of anything that would marginalize and take away from the focus of this city and nation mourning your son tomorrow," Sharpton said in a letter to Randolph Holder Sr.

"So I therefore, respectfully, want to inform you and your pastor that I have withdrawn my acceptance of your invitation to attend or have words at the funeral services for your son," the letter said.

Sharpton said he changed his mind because after reading articles about the services, he feared that "some union leaders and some others want to turn your and your pastor's noble efforts into some kind of confrontation or sideshow."